he IACP is, without question, the world’s preeminent association of law enforcement executives. Our membership resides in each of the 50 states and in more than 100 countries around the world. The strength of our association is derived from the breadth, the depth, and the experience of our membership.

The founders of the IACP created this organization because they realized that having law enforcement executives working together, sharing information, and learning from the experience of other police executives was fundamental to their ability to protect their communities from crime and violence. The success of our organization over the last 120 years is a testament to their vision and wisdom.

Of course, in order to fully realize this vision, law enforcement executives from around the United States and the world must become members of the IACP, immerse themselves in the various policy initiatives under way, and join the conversation with their fellow law enforcement leaders as to the future of our profession.

Simply put, the success of the IACP depends on the strength and the diversity of our membership. For this reason, I am committed to increasing the membership of the IACP.

Over the coming year, IACP will be launching a comprehensive campaign to promote the value of our organization and to identify and connect with those individuals who are eligible for membership in the IACP. One of our initial steps in 2013 will be the President’s Membership Drive (see information on page 56).

However, you also have a key role to play in assisting the IACP to meeting our vision of “Serving the Leaders of Today, Developing the Leaders of Tomorrow” by encouraging our current and future leaders with their careers by sponsoring these individuals for membership in the IACP. Whether you sponsor a chief from a neighboring jurisdiction, an up-and-coming leader in your agency, or a civilian supporting our profession, you can assure them that IACP membership offers myriad opportunities for professional growth and learning.

When thinking about reaching out to prospective members, remember membership in the IACP is not limited to just police chiefs. Law enforcement professionals in command-level positions qualify for active membership, too, while others working in and associated with law enforcement qualify for associate membership. So whether it is the new chief in your neighboring jurisdiction, a member of your support staff, or a private sector partner, the IACP is open to all who have an interest in law enforcement.

To assist you in your outreach to potential new members, here are some quick highlights about IACP offerings. I invite you to take these highlights with you when you communicate with others about the value of the IACP.

What is the IACP?The IACP is the world’s largest association of law enforcement executives. It is a comprehensive professional organization that serves the leaders of today and develops the leaders of tomorrow.

What does the IACP do?For almost 120 years, we have been launching internationally acclaimed programs, speaking out on behalf of law enforcement, conducting groundbreaking research, and providing exemplary programs and services to our members around the world.

How does the IACP do this?The IACP serves the leaders of today through advocacy, training, research, and professional services. The IACP addresses the most pressing issues facing leaders today. From new technologies to emerging threats and trends, the IACP provides comprehensive and responsive service to its members throughout the world.

What does the IACP plan to do in the future?The IACP is focused on developing the law enforcement leaders of tomorrow. The IACP Center for Police Leadership, the New Police Chief Mentoring Project, and numerous other training and educational opportunities are designed to prepare tomorrow’s leaders for the challenges and opportunities they will face.

Why IACP?The IACP membership encompasses a diverse and exceptionally professional group from all aspects of the law enforcement profession. IACP members are able to participate in committees and sections of topical interest and readily share successes and challenges with law enforcement leaders from around the world. In addition, members are provided opportunities to participate in summits, project advisory boards, research endeavors, and more. These opportunities provide forums to strengthen professional development, increase leadership capacity, and enhance our collective relevancy on important policy issues.

All of our efforts, training, research, sample policies, smart policing strategies, best practices, and advocacy must be directed at making our worldwide members successful. When you think about it, what other organization can give you the potential value of the IACP for $120 a year in dues?

We present an outstanding annual conference with quality training and networking unsurpassed in our profession. Our committees, sections, and divisions continue to do exceptional work and consistently produce research that is contemporary, valuable, realistic, and extremely useful for any police leader.

I want to thank you for your continuing membership in and support of the IACP. I truly believe that our association derives its strength from the size and the diversity of our membership. With your support, the IACP provides a unified voice for the law enforcement community on both a national and an international level. By providing a platform for the exchange of ideas and best practices between and among law enforcement leaders around the world, the IACP is fulfilling its mission of “Serving the Leaders of Today, Developing the Leaders of Tomorrow.” ♦

From The Police Chief, vol. LXXX, no. 1, January 2013. Copyright held by the International Association of Chiefs of Police, 515 North Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 USA.

The official publication of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
The online version of the Police Chief Magazine is possible through a grant from the IACP Foundation. To learn more about the IACP Foundation, click here.